Dorney tells South Whitehall planners about changes

Wildwater Kingdom would get more slides, landscaping.

October 18, 2002|By Siusanne Stewart Special to The Morning Call -- Freelance

After several years of focusing on its rides, Dorney Park is turning its attention to Wildwater Kingdom. The South Whitehall Township Planning Commission voted Thursday in favor of plans to improve the water park.

"Nothing new has been added [to the water park] since Island Water Works four years ago," said Dorney Park general manager John Albino.

Plans call for both cosmetic and mechanical changes to the water park. The wave pool's operation will be changed from a hydraulic system to a pneumatic one. Also, the deepest part of the pool will be reduced from 10 feet to 6 feet, resulting in a water reduction use of 368,000 gallons over the summer. According to Albino, the park also plans to add more water slides. The slides that are now visible from Hamilton Boulevard will be replaced with a 51-foot tower that will hold four slides. Another new attraction will be Jumpin' Jack Splash, a three-slide complex.

There also are plans to add landscaping around the water park. "We're trying to green up the park; right now it is a lot of concrete," Albino said.

Homeowners near Dorney Park were concerned that the new attractions might add light and noise pollution. Albino said loudspeakers would not be installed and Wildwater Kingdom closes before dark, eliminating the need for bright lighting. To accommodate the changes, Albino said Indy Cars will be removed, along with the lighting and speakers from that attraction.

The Planning Commission also heard a sketch plan review from developers of a proposed $40 million medical mall on Cetronia Road. The 28-acre property near the Tilghman Square Shopping Center straddles Upper Macungie and South Whitehall townships. Larry Turoscy of Lehigh Engineering Associates said the project depends on the construction of the Route 222 bypass. The developers said they are prepared to make improvements to Cetronia Road.